The Truth About Pinterest for Your Small Business

The new social media site Pinterest has some definite benefits for small business, but be aware there are some negative aspects too. Like many other tools, it has pros and cons you should understand before getting started.

New Frontier

Tips for new tools. Here’s an introductory look at how Pinterest can be used as a small business tool. There are also some helpful tips on how to get started using the site with small business in mind. SeaCoastOnline.com

Hurt by social media? You’ve probably heard the advice by now that Pinterest can have a positive affect on your business. But one business owner had quite the opposite experience with spammers on the site who actually did her business harm. Mashable

Business Opportunities

Affiliate marketing opportunities. Pinterest has had a shaky history where affiliate marketing is concerned. Initially, the site’s own Skimlinks affiliate program caused an outcry among users. Currently, an independent affiliate marking program called PinDollars is being treated as spam by the social network. Small Business Trends

A new home for crafting businesses. It wasn’t so long ago that Etsy was dominating the news as a place for crafting small business owners to market their products. Today, Pinterest is appealing to this group in a different way. ReporterNews

Big Success

Pinterest’s founder speaks. If you want to know how this innovative social network changed the game in social media completely, there’s no better place to start than with the story of the company’s rise and no better place to hear that story than from the company’s founder. Business Insider

Big brands discovered it. How about you? If some of these companies are using the features of the world’s most talked about social media network, why not your small business brand? How can Pinterest boost your company’s visibility? InvestorPlace

Digging Deeper

A new era in marketing. In April, business coach Stephanie Ward participated in a live chat with the BizSugar community on Facebook about marketing small business using Pinterest. Here is a brief overview of that session with a link to the archived chat. BizSugar Blog

Some fatal flaws. Despite its increased user base and growing popularity, some critics say Pinterest presents some problems not easy to ignore. Are these issues bigger than those troubling other social networks? CreateHype

Reality Check

The legal deal. One of the biggest concerns raised about Pinterest again and again is one of copyright infringement. Before starting to use Pinterest for your small business, explore the legal ramifications possible for this new tool. JD Supra

The big appeal. Before you start using Pinterest, maybe it would help to better understand the appeal the site has with its rapidly expanding fan base. Here are some important things to consider about why we love love Pinterest. Los Angeles Times

Editor's Picks

3 Reactions

I have certainly stayed away from Pinterest because of my concerns over copyright infringement. I think if I was a photographer or hired a photographer I would definitely have my work on pinterest. Thanks for the great round up.

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